Delhi reports first JN.1 Covid case; 109 nationwide

New Delhi, December 27: The capital city of Delhi has recorded its first case of the JN.1 variant, a sub-strain of the Omicron variant of Covid 19, as confirmed by Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj. Assuring the public, the minister said this particular variant tend to induce mild illness and urged citizens not to panic. This announcement comes amid rising concerns over the emergence of the new strain opf Covid 19.

Earlier on Wednesday, Delhi reported the first case of JN.1, among three samples sent for genome sequencing. "One of the samples has tested positive for JN.1, while the other two display the Omicron variant," Bharadwaj said during a press interaction.

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Health Ministry sources said a total of 109 cases of JN.1 Covid variant had been reported in the country as of December 26. Concerns regarding the new variant's impact and spread have led to expert insights and advice regarding precautions and preventive measures.

Expert opinion

Dr Bobby Bhalotra, vice chairman in the Department of Chest Medicine at Gangaram Hospital, emphasised that although these new variants were relatively mild and 

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Dr  Bhalotra highlighted the importance of preventive measures to curb potential transmission. The emergence of the new variant coincides with a surge in respiratory illnesses observed in Delhi's Outpatient Departments (OPDs), attributed to weather changes, increased pollution levels, and viral infections. Patients with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD are experiencing exacerbations due to various viruses, including H1N1.

Despite available vaccines against viruses such as H1N1, concerns arise from delayed inoculation among the public, leading to exacerbated respiratory issues. Dr  Bhalotra underscored the adverse impact of pollution on respiratory health, urging proactive measures for patients with existing respiratory ailments.

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The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified JN.1 as a variant of interest, distinct from its parent lineage BA.2. However, WHO maintains that the overall risk posed by JN.1 remains low based on current evidence, providing reassurance amidst these developments.

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